Backstage Exclusive; Tribal by Camille Wood at @Kenneth_Barlis Fashion show #San Diego #Couture

While most of you were partying, in the US, for Labor Day weekend, I was working.

Of course it’s hard to call it work when you travel in business class on the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego.I highly recommend taking it if you are in California. It is so choice.

View from the Surfliner to San Diego;

Then there is the fact it was to cover a fashion show. With a gorgeous room waiting for me. In the famous San Diego Gaslamp district. Walking distance from the pier.

My room at the Marriot;

Ok, OK I have rubbed it in enough, let’s talk fashion.

Camille Wood is the daughter of a Vogue model and was raised in the dressing room, backstage and on set. Being surrounded by models, fashion, photographers and make up Camille was born into fashion. However we all have our disadvantages and being too short to walk the runway like her mom, she became a fashion designer.

Proving yourself when you are walking in your family’s footsteps is difficult, but Camille has managed to outshine her mother by creating over the top, couture swimsuits and now, her new clothing line Tribal.

I arrived at the Broadway Port Pavilion which is a massive building.

Inside the Kenneth Barlis fashion show was packed with flowing full length gowns, men decked out in suits and array of fine nibbles and beverages. I was very impressed.

With my VIP press pass I headed backstage to a HUGE area that contained multiple designers racks of clothing, make-up artists, hair stylists a food table for crew and more.

I found Camille, who looked beyond beautiful in a white latex dress of her own design. She was busy prepping all the models but made time for everyone and every detail.

The ever radiant Camille Wood working with her model, Kelly Lenahan;

Even though it was hot, humid and took time to get everyone ready, all Camille’s models were in a great mood and full of smiles. We were in the very back of the building by the fresh air off the port of San Diego so the models were happy.

Max Tijerino getting his make up done;

And the head dresses were out of this world.

A Beaming Suzanne Shea Reed in hers;

And Jovane Henry looking FIERCE in hers.

She owned her head-dress. It made me want to buy it.

And at last Javone Henry and Diana Lieziert in full wardrobe and make up.

We decided since we had the very back area of the port pavilion to use it to our advantage. We grabbed all the runway boys and girls we could find and went outside for a photo shoot in the fresh air off the back of the port pavilion. The outfits look good under the spotlight but were dazzling in the sun.

And I got a selfie with my press pass;

When we came back in it was time for the girls to line up. I caught a perfect moment of them being dazzled by sunlight.

Then off to the front of the stage to catch the full show. When I walked out into the crowd I thanked Camille silently for my press pass. It was overly packed and the crowd spilled from the stage all the way into standing room only.

As the show began the first presenters came out wearing Kenneth Barlis couture gowns that were simply jaw dropping.

Then the charity presenter for the event, which helped raise money for Books for Kids in the Philippines was amazing and her story was touching. She came out in a stunning gown as well.

Poor girl was nervous but did an astounding job and made it through her speech.

The first show passed showing amazing ready to wear, that was very California casual. Cute jumpers, Jodhpur pants and leggings with clean designs and cute graph tee’s. Thigh high legging with high-waisted shorts and unisex pants. Super cute and very wearable.

When Camille’s line took the stage it was, overwhelming. Pounding tribal drum beats followed with two very handsome topless models with spears. Girls came out strutting the stage in skin baring outfits with goddess like head dresses. The final piece was a towering Diana Liezert in a backless netted latex dress with a live SNAKE wrapped around her waist! Beyond impressed.
Check out the full runway video I shot below;

I knew there was a reason Camille wanted me to cover this. Her ‘Tribal’ line literally coined the phrase ‘dress to impress’ that night for me. Turns out I wasn’t the only one who was enamored with her clothing that night. Turns out one of the models bought the top she wearing as well.

After seeing her swim line at LAFW and her Tribal line in San Diego, Camille Wood isn’t just one to watch anymore. She’s one to follow, wear and want.

What’s next for Camille? Check out the sounds byte below and get ready for a whole new wave of fashion from Camille Wood.

Huge thanks to Camille Wood for giving me a place to stay. Thanks to Camille Wood and Kenneth Barlis for backstage access. Lastly thanks to San Diego for having me.

Sunset at the Pavilion Pier;